Computational Methods Used in Hit-To-Lead and Lead Optimization Stages of Structure-Based Drug Discovery
Computational methods used in Hit-to-Lead and Lead Optimization stages of structure-based drug discovery Alexander Heifetz1,2*, Michelle Southey1, Inaki Morao1, Andrea Townsend-Nicholson2 and Mike J. Bodkin1 1Evotec Ltd, 114 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 4RZ, UK 2Institute of Structural & Molecular Biology, Research Department of Structural & Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom *Corresponding author Keywords: Structure based drug design; molecular dynamics; simulation; Hit-to-lead, Lead optimization; G-protein coupled receptor; docking; 1 Summary GPCR modeling approaches are widely used in the hit-to-lead (H2L) and lead optimization (LO) stages of drug discovery. The aims of these modeling approaches are to predict the 3D structures of the receptor-ligand complexes, to explore the key interactions between receptor and ligand and to utilize these insights in the design of new molecules with improved binding, selectivity or other pharmacological properties. In this book chapter, we present a brief survey of key computational approaches integrated with hierarchical GPCR modeling protocol (HGMP) used in hit-to-lead (H2L) and in lead optimization (LO) stages of structure based drug discovery (SBDD). We outline the differences in modeling strategies used in H2L and LO of SBDD. We illustrate how these tools have been applied in three drug discovery projects. 1. Introduction 1.1 GPCRs are cell surface receptors that contain seven transmembrane helices and constitute the largest superfamily of membrane proteins, regulating almost every aspect of cellular activity [1]. GPCRs have enormous physiological and biomedical importance, being the primary site of action of 40% of all prescribed drugs today [2].
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